Exploring Antwerp in two hours

During a recent trip to Belgium, I spent a night in Antwerp. Not the first time, but I do enjoy visiting Antwerp whenever I get the chance. As I only arrived in the evening, my sightseeing time was limited. But as always, I fully intended to make the most of it and put together a quick Antwerp walking tour. You might not be able to see everything, but Antwerp in two hours is certainly better than nothing.

With 1.2 million people, Antwerp is the second largest metropolitan region in Belgium after Brussels. And the second biggest port in Europe after Rotterdam.

It is known for its beautiful art deco architecture and for being the diamond capital.

Intrigued? Shall we start our Antwerp in two hours self-guided walking tour?

Off we go.

First stop: Antwerp Centraal

As I arrived by train, I picked a hotel near the central train station. So that I could quickly dump my bags and head out exploring. After all, if I only had two hours in Antwerp, I wanted to make the most of it.

As far as railway stations go, Antwerp Central Station is probably one of the finest examples of railway architecture in Europe. Built at the end of the 19th century, the large train hall (185m long, 44m high) was originally constructed in iron and glass. But the roof has since been replaced with polycarbonate sheets (reducing stress issues due to bomb damage in WWII). Rest assured, it still looks impressive.

Look at the magnificent front on Koningin Astridplein, the ceiling of the big train hall and the clock on the upper level.

Diamond Quarter

Around 84% of the world’s rough diamonds pass through Antwerp’s diamond district, making it the largest diamond district in the world.

As you exit the train station and head towards town, you can’t fail to notice all the diamond cutters, brokers and merchants. If your budget is anything like mine, you might just have to settle for some window shopping.

Meir Shopping Street

Heading towards the city, I walked down Meir, Antwerp’s main shopping street. As I didn’t arrive until the evening, the shops unfortunately were already closed. If you time your visit to Antwerp better than me, you can easily spend a few hours just browsing the shops. But even with the shops closed, the beautiful houses along Meir are worth looking at.

Halfway down Meir, turn left to visit Rubenshuis (Rubens House), the former residence of the artist Peter Paul Rubens. At the time of my visit, it was closed for refurbishment, but it has since re-opened. These days, his house is a museum exhibiting Rubens paintings along with other works of the time.

Cathedral of our Lady

As we continue our Antwerp in two hours walking tour, we arrive at the Historical Center of Antwerp.

The Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal is the largest Gothic church in Belgium, with a 123m tower standing proud above the city. Construction of the church was started in the 14th century but not completed until the 16th century.

The cathedral is a UNESCO world heritage site, and its interior features several notable paintings from well-known artists like the above mentioned Peter Paul Rubens. I’ve not yet had a chance to actually see the inside of the cathedral. During my recent Antwerp in two hours sightseeing tour, it was too late in the day. When we did a day trip to Antwerp a couple of years ago, it was closed to the public. Fingers crossed you have more luck than me. And I hope it’s third time lucky for me, next time I visit Antwerp.

Antwerp in two hours: Grote Markt

The Grote Markt (big market) is the central square in Antwerp.

Surrounded by the Stadhuis (City Hall) and several 16th century guildhalls, it is impressive to look at. Stand near the Brabo Fountain in the middle of the market square and just take in the beautiful facades around you.

The Renaissance City Hall was built in the 16th century and is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site (you see, Antwerp has no shortage of world heritage sites).

If you are hungry, you’ll find plenty of restaurants around the Grote Markt.

Het Steen Castle

As you head down to the river Scheldt you’ll come across Het Steen Castle (old stone castle). Remnants of a medieval castle from the 12th century make this the oldest building Antwerp. What is still standing today was the gateway to a much bigger castle, which was demolished in the 19th century.

Last stop: MAS (Museum aan de Stroom)

This one is a little bit of a walk, so you might not have time for it during a Two Hours in Antwerp walking tour. But if you do have a little extra time, head to the MAS, the Museum aan de Stroom (the museum by the stream). The impressive 60m high red brick building is a sight in itself. The largest museum in Antwerp houses around 470.000 objects focussing on Antwerp and its connection to the world. Pro tip: You can see some of the museum (and go up to the roof top terrace) for free, you only need a ticket for the main exhibition.

Antwerp’s hands

Whilst exploring Antwerp, keep an eye out for Antwerp’s hands.

There is a large hand sculpture at Centraal (you can spot it in the photo above), another one on Meir and several smaller ones dotted around the city.

But why hands? Hand werpen (throw a hand) is where the name Antwerp allegedly came from.

As I said in the beginning, you won’t be able to see everything Antwerp has to offer during a two-hour walking tour. With such limited time, we completely missed out on Antwerp’s stunning art deco buildings in Zurenborg, amongst other things.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my little Antwerp in two hours walking tour. Tell me, have you been to Antwerp? What is your absolute must see place?